San Francisco is the backdrop to many fantastical things like breathtaking architecture, a rich arts scene and a deep-rooted culture that is inherent to the fabric of America. And now, IlluminateSF is setting the area aglow with 11 artworks (six permanent) throughout the City by the Bay on display with some pieces that accentuate well-known landmarks and hidden secrets of the city.
Embarcadero Pier 14 at Mission St. is home to Flaming Lotus Girls, a monumental-sized interactive light sculpture. With the backdrop of The Bay Lights by Leo Villareal, the undulating lights and myriad of colors play with the surging tides of the bay. Standing below the canopy of lights of Flaming Lotus Girls, viewers can help affect the light show by pushing buttons around the sculpture. Metamorphosis stays true to its name, by seemingly changing with the different times of daylight, while Language of Birds takes a flight of fancy between the surrounding buildings.
Even at the international airport, the light instillations enchant observers, bringing attention to otherwise overlooked areas. Wind Portal shimmers in the light as passengers board BART, while Four Sculptural Light Reflectors loom over those checking in for flights. Sister sculpture to Wind Portal, Firefly catches the light and wind, and appears as a vertical surface of a lake on the side of a building. It rolls and swells based on the weather in a mesmerizing flutter.
The vast collection of free art in San Francisco is only further accentuated by this stunning lightshow of artworks. Whether in the heart of the city or seeing the works at the SFO International Terminal, the accessible artworks adorn the sides of buildings, fly high in the air, or reflect in the shimmering waters of the City by the Bay.
